1. Confirmed Ticket Cancellation Slabs (Time-Based)
The amount deducted when you cancel a confirmed train ticket depends entirely on how many hours before departure the ticket is cancelled:
| Cancellation Timing | Deduction Percentage | Conditions & Minimum Fee |
|---|---|---|
| More than 48 Hours before scheduled departure | Flat Fee per Passenger |
• 1A / Executive Class: ₹240 + GST • 2A / First Class: ₹200 + GST • 3A / 3E / CC: ₹180 + GST • Sleeper (SL): ₹120 • Second Sitting (2S): ₹60 |
| Between 48 Hours and 12 Hours before departure | 25% of Ticket Fare | Subject to the minimum flat cancellation fee mentioned above (+ GST on AC classes). |
| Between 12 Hours and 4 Hours (or chart preparation) | 50% of Ticket Fare | Subject to the minimum flat cancellation fee (+ GST on AC classes). |
| Less than 4 Hours (or after chart is prepared) | 100% (No Refund) | Zero refund is granted on confirmed tickets cancelled after chart preparation. |
2. RAC & Waitlisted Ticket Cancellation Rules
- Clerkage Charge: For RAC or Waitlisted tickets, a flat clerkage fee of ₹60 per passenger (+ GST for AC classes) is deducted, and the remaining fare is refunded in full.
- Cancellation Cut-off: RAC and counter waitlisted tickets can be cancelled up to 30 minutes before the scheduled departure of the train.
- Auto-Refund for Fully Waitlisted E-Tickets: If your online IRCTC e-ticket remains on the waiting list after final chart preparation, it is automatically cancelled by the system. The full fare (minus IRCTC convenience fee) is credited back to your bank account/card within 3 to 5 business days without filing any request.
3. Partial Waitlist (Family / Group Ticket) Special Rule
A common dilemma occurs when a family books 4 tickets on a single PNR: 2 tickets get confirmed, but 2 remain on RAC or Waiting List after chart preparation.
100% Refund Protection for Entire Family
Under Indian Railways Rule: If on a combined ticket, some passengers have confirmed status and others have waiting/RAC status, all passengers are entitled to cancel and receive a full refund (minus clerkage fee of ₹60 per person) provided the ticket is cancelled online or through an online TDR up to 30 minutes before train departure.
4. What is TDR (Ticket Deposit Receipt) & When to File?
If you could not travel due to reasons beyond your control (railway service disruptions, delays, or coach defects), you can claim a refund by filing an online Ticket Deposit Receipt (TDR) on the IRCTC portal.
| Eligible TDR Reason | TDR Filing Deadline | Refund Entitlement |
|---|---|---|
| Train Delayed > 3 Hours | Before actual departure of train from your boarding station | 100% Full Refund (no cancellation fee deducted) |
| Train Cancelled by Railways | Automatic refund (no TDR needed for e-tickets; counter tickets cancelled within 72 hrs) | 100% Full Refund |
| AC Failure in AC Coach | Within 72 hours of train arrival at destination | Difference between AC fare and Sleeper class fare refunded (TTE certificate required) |
| Lower Class Accommodation Provided | Within 72 hours of train arrival | Difference of fare between booked class and traveled class |
| Train Route Diverted | Within 72 hours of schedule departure | Full refund if passenger does not travel |
5. How to File Online TDR Step-by-Step on IRCTC
- Log in to your IRCTC Web Account or Mobile App.
- Navigate to My Account > My Transactions > File TDR.
- Select the PNR number for your booked journey.
- Select the passengers who did not travel.
- Choose the appropriate TDR Reason from the dropdown list (e.g., "Train Late More than Three Hours and Passenger Not Travelled").
- Submit the TDR. You will receive a unique TDR Tracking Number.
- Refund is processed by the respective Zonal Railway Claim Office and credited directly to your original payment mode within 15 to 90 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cancellation charge on a confirmed train ticket 48 hours before departure?
If cancelled more than 48 hours before scheduled train departure, flat cancellation charges per passenger apply: ₹240 for 1A/EC, ₹200 for 2A/1st Class, ₹180 for 3A/3E/CC, ₹120 for Sleeper (SL), and ₹60 for Second Sitting (2S), plus applicable GST on AC classes.
Can I cancel a train ticket after the chart is prepared?
No refund is given on confirmed tickets cancelled after chart preparation (or less than 4 hours before departure). However, for RAC and waitlisted tickets, cancellation is permitted up to 30 minutes before scheduled departure with a nominal clerkage fee of ₹60.
What is the partial waitlist rule on Indian Railways?
If on a party or family e-ticket, some passengers are confirmed while others remain on RAC or waitlist after chart preparation, ALL passengers can cancel their ticket up to 30 minutes before train departure and receive a full refund of fare (minus clerkage charge of ₹60 per passenger).
What is TDR in IRCTC and when should it be filed?
TDR stands for Ticket Deposit Receipt. It is filed online on IRCTC when you could not travel due to railway faults (e.g. train delayed >3 hours, route diverted, AC failure in AC coach, or coach damaged). TDR must be filed before the train departs or within specified IRCTC time limits.